Colorado woman, Desiree Hartsock, is new star of The Bachelorette

11:47 AM, May 3, 2013

11:47 AM, May 3, 2013

Desiree Hartsock

ABC

The new star of ABC's The Bachelorette is a Colorado girl, 26-year-old Desiree Hartsock, who grew up in Northglenn.

Hartsock, now an operations manager at a Los Angeles area bridal salon and a bridal stylist, previously appeared on The Bachelor. But while her relationship with bachelor Sean Lowe started off incredibly strong, he eventually sent Desiree home as she struggled to tell Sean he was making a big mistake.

Hartsock will debut on the new edition of The Bachelorette on Monday, May 20 (8-10 p.m., MT),

She moved numerous times with her family when she was young, but the family eventually settled in Colorado. After her high school graduation, she moved to California where she attended Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, according to her profile on The Bachelorette website.

"Although her family was of modest means, they were rich in love. Their values helped guide Desiree to become an industrious, passionate and creative woman who loves living in California and working hard to make her dreams come true," the website said. "She is confident that in the future she will be a bridal gown designer who owns her own boutique. But more than anything, Desiree's ultimate dream is to find a love like the one her parents share. Married for 35 years, but together for 40, they've always supported and appreciated one another."

"This spunky, athletic and artistic woman is eagerly looking for a life filled with spontaneity, love and laughter. She hopes someday to travel the world with that special someone whom she'll run home to see every day. And she is positive, after falling in love on The Bachelor, that she can find her soul mate on The Bachelorette," the website said.

Here's a Q&A from her Bachelorette bio:

If you could be someone else for just one day, who would it be and why?

An Olympic champion to know what it feels like to physically work so hard to be the best in the world at something and have all that hard work pay off.

What is your favorite all-time book and why?

"Eat, Pray, Love" because it's a personal journey of overcoming and finding love and happiness along the way.

I love it when my date...

Isn't trying to be someone else or act different to impress me. When they can be candid and goofy and let the date proceed naturally.

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